I recently installed weldless fittings and a Blichmann thermometer into my 10 gallon Igloo MLT, but am totally disappointed with the results.
With hot water only in the MLT, with constant stirring, it reads correctly. But once I add grains and everything stabilizes, it reads at least 15 degrees cooler than actual (as measured with a thermocouple immersed in the mash at the top of the cooler). Stirring does not appreciably affect things.
During lautering (draining of batch sparge) temperature does read more sensibly.
The thermometer has a 4" stem and protrudes into the MLT at least an inch. I have calibrated the thermometer against another one like it and against my Cole Parmer thermocouple.
My theory is that all the metal outside the cooler - the thermometer itself, and coupler and half the nipple, is closer to ambient temp (40F) and is affecting the reading.
Anyone else have this problem, and/or ideas on its cause and its resolution?
thanks,
With hot water only in the MLT, with constant stirring, it reads correctly. But once I add grains and everything stabilizes, it reads at least 15 degrees cooler than actual (as measured with a thermocouple immersed in the mash at the top of the cooler). Stirring does not appreciably affect things.
During lautering (draining of batch sparge) temperature does read more sensibly.
The thermometer has a 4" stem and protrudes into the MLT at least an inch. I have calibrated the thermometer against another one like it and against my Cole Parmer thermocouple.
My theory is that all the metal outside the cooler - the thermometer itself, and coupler and half the nipple, is closer to ambient temp (40F) and is affecting the reading.
Anyone else have this problem, and/or ideas on its cause and its resolution?
thanks,